What Temperature Should Chicken Thighs Be Cooked To? The Ultimate Guide

There are a lot of tasty ways to cook chicken thighs. They are a flavorful and juicy cut of meat. To get the best results when cooking chicken thighs, it’s important to know what temperature they should reach inside each one. When you cook chicken thighs the right way, you keep the moisture in, make the meat safe, and get the juiciest, tender meat possible.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about achieving the perfect temperature for chicken thighs, including:

• Why temperature matters
• Recommended temperature range
• How to accurately measure temperature
• Visual and textural signs of doneness
• Common cooking methods and techniques
• Time and temperature tips
• Food safety considerations
• Frequently asked questions

Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, cooking chicken thighs to the right internal temperature is key for achieving the best quality and flavor.

Why Getting The Temperature Right Matters

Reaching the proper internal temperature when cooking chicken thighs is important for two main reasons food safety and optimizing texture

Food Safety

Chicken needs to be cooked all the way through to kill any bacteria that could make you sick. The USDA says that chicken should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Pathogens are killed when chicken thighs are cooked to the right temperature.

Texture

Temperature directly affects moisture levels and texture. Chicken thighs cooked between 170-200°F are tender and juicy. Going above 205°F causes them to become dry and stringy. Monitoring temp as thighs cook prevents overdrying.

Being able to keep an eye on the internal temperature is the best way to make sure your chicken is cooked right and safe to eat.

Recommended Temperature Range For Chicken Thighs

The ideal temperature range for chicken thighs is between 175-185°F. Thighs cooked to temps within this range will be pleasantly juicy and tender.

Here’s a more detailed look at temperatures and what they mean:

• 165°F – The minimum safe temperature recommended by the USDA. The thighs are done at this point, but they may be a little tough and dry.

• 170-175°F – Thighs are cooked through but still cling to the bone. Great for roasting a whole chicken or cooking thighs with other ingredients.

• 175-185°F – The sweet spot! Thighs are exceptionally juicy, succulent, and flavorful. This is the best temp for most methods of cooking bone-in or boneless thighs.

• Over 205°F – Thighs start becoming dry and stringy as collagen breaks down too much. Flavor also declines. Avoid going above 210°F.

For best results, target an internal temperature of 180-185°F. Thighs will be perfectly safe to eat while also being melt-in-your-mouth moist and delicious.

Measuring The Internal Temperature of Chicken Thighs

Using a digital instant read thermometer is the most reliable way to determine the internal temperature of chicken thighs. Here’s how to correctly measure:

• Immerse the probe into the thickest section of a thigh, taking care to avoid touching bone.

• Allow the thermometer reading to stabilize for 15-20 seconds before reading the temp.

• Verify the temperature is between 175-185°F for ideal doneness.

• Repeat with a few thighs to confirm they have all reached the proper internal temperature.

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also make visual checks for doneness:

• Puncture a thigh to the thickest section and check juices run clear with no traces of pink.

• Meat near the bone is no longer pink or red.

• Thighs feel firm to the touch.

However, thermometers are more reliable than visual tests alone. Investing in a good digital instant read thermometer is a small expense that’s worthwhile for cooking chicken thighs perfectly every time.

Common Cooking Methods and Techniques

How you cook your chicken thighs can impact the final internal temperature. Here are guidelines for popular cooking methods:

Oven Roasting: Roast bone-in, skin-on thighs at 375°F until 175°F internally. Roast boneless thighs at 400°F to 165°F internal temp.

Grilling: Grill bone-in thighs over indirect medium heat for 20-25 minutes per side until 175°F. Grill boneless thighs over direct medium high heat, flipping once, until 165°F internally.

Pan-Frying: Cook bone-in or boneless thighs skin-side down in an oiled pan for 4-6 minutes then flip and cook until 175°F internal temp.

Braising: Brown thighs then braise in sauce at 300°F for 1-2 hours until fall-off-the bone tender and 175°F internally.

Air Frying: Air fry boneless thighs at 380°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until 175°F internal temp.

Slow Cooker: Add thighs to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours until 175°F internally.

Sous Vide: Cook bone-in or boneless thighs sous vide at 167°F for 1-2 hours until heated through.

Time and Temperature Tips

• Allow thighs to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

• Brining or marinating thighs helps keep them extra moist when cooked.

• Bone-in and larger thighs take more time to cook through than boneless pieces.

• Always check temp towards the end of the cook time to prevent overcooking.

• Higher oven temps help crisp the skin while lower temps keep meat tender when roasting.

• Flipping thighs while pan-frying or grilling helps them cook evenly on both sides.

Food Safety Notes

It’s important to follow food safety principles when cooking chicken thighs:

• Defrost frozen thighs safely in the fridge before cooking. Don’t thaw at room temp.

• Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.

• Wash hands, counters, and tools that have touched raw chicken before moving onto other tasks.

• Cook thighs within 1-2 days of purchasing and refrigerate promptly after cooking.

• When reheating cooked thighs, ensure they reach 165°F internally.

• Discard any marinades used on raw thighs. Only baste with marinades simmered before applying.

Following these guidelines in addition to cooking thighs to the proper internal temperature minimizes the risk of potential foodborne illnesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should I cook bone-in chicken thighs to?

Cook bone-in thighs to an internal temp of 175-185°F for the juiciest, most tender results.

What about boneless thighs, what temperature should they reach?

Aim for an internal temp of 165-175°F for boneless thighs. They take less time to cook through than bone-in.

Is it ok to eat thighs at 165°F even if they look a bit pink inside?

Yes, 165°F is safe based on USDA guidelines. Thighs can appear slightly pink even when fully cooked.

Can I use a meat thermometer with chicken thighs cooked on the bone?

Yes, just insert the thermometer into the thickest section without touching the bone for the most accurate reading.

Should I trust cooking times alone or rely on a thermometer?

Always rely on a thermometer for accuracy. Cook times can vary based on size of thighs and oven differences.

What happens if chicken thighs are undercooked?

Consuming undercooked chicken can potentially lead to foodborne illness. Thighs need to reach 165°F internally at a minimum for safety.

The Takeaway

Perfectly cooked chicken thighs start with getting the internal temperature right. Targeting 175-185°F is ideal for achieving thighs that are incredibly moist, flavorful and safe to eat. Investing in an instant read thermometer takes the guesswork out of determining doneness. For consistently delicious, tender chicken thighs, temperature is the key!